How Suboxone Treatment Works

Using a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine, Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist that is prescribed to individuals who are struggling with an addiction to opioids. The use of Suboxone provides patients with relief from the physical discomforts of withdrawal. The buprenorphine portion of Suboxone interacts with the same receptors in the brain that are typically activated when opioids are abused. Unlike opioids, however, buprenorphine does not cause patients to experience a euphoric high, allowing individuals to play an active role in daily activities in an uninterrupted manner. Buprenorphine provides patients with relief from the physical symptoms of withdrawal while eliminating cravings for continued opioid use. Naloxone is an opioid blocker (opioid antagonist) that counteracts the negative effects that opioids have within the body. Extensive research has confirmed that when Suboxone is taken as prescribed and within a licensed treatment center, it is a safe and effective form of treatment.

The Effectiveness of Treatment

The Effectiveness of Suboxone Treatment

The use of Suboxone will not cause patients to experience cognitive disruptions, allowing them to play a productive and active role in daily activities such as work and school. Patients who are prescribed this medication are able to progress in treatment in a successful manner without experiencing delays or interruptions.

It is important to note that the use of Suboxone is not an appropriate fit for every patient. Although multiple studies have confirmed that the use of this medication is extremely safe, individuals who are interested in being prescribed Suboxone should first discuss its use with their treatment provider to ensure that their individual treatment goals and requirements will be met.

The Benefits of Treatment & Counseling

The Benefits of Suboxone Treatment & Counseling

Individuals who become addicted to opioids will inevitably experience the painful symptoms of withdrawal once the use of opioids has ceased. Knowing that the period of withdrawal will take place is often enough motivation for individuals to remain trapped in the dangerous cycle of opioid addiction. However, when Suboxone is incorporated into a patient’s comprehensive plan of treatment, he or she is able to eliminate the physical discomforts that accompany the withdrawal process and focus on his or her recovery with a clear and sound mind.

While the use of this medication can provide patients with relief from the physical aspects of their addiction, treatment for the emotional components of a patient’s addictive behaviors must be addressed as well in order for treatment to be successful. Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Centers of Utah proudly provide patients with the opportunity to take part in individual and group counseling sessions in order to understand and treat the underlying causes of their addictions. Individual counseling provides patients with a safe and supportive environment in which to openly discuss their addictions with a highly trained counselor. These sessions also allow patients to work through any issues that may arise during the course of treatment. Group sessions are designed to bring multiple patients together under the guidance of a counselor in which a variety of topics will be discussed. By working alongside their peers, patients are able to obtain encouragement and support from other individuals who understand the complexities associated with addiction and recovery. These interventions are designed for patients to safely prepare for a future that does not include the use of opioids and other substances.

How to Support Your Loved One During Medication Assisted Treatment: It is extremely beneficial that the loved ones of an individual who is receiving treatment for opioid addiction receive treatment of their own. Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Centers of Utah promote the use of support groups, individual counseling, and family counseling as ways for the loved ones of our patients to receive the support and education that is required to successfully aid their loved one throughout their journey to recovery. The following are ways in which you can show your support to your loved one as he or she progresses in treatment at Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Centers of Utah:

Learn more about Suboxone as well as the other treatment options that are available so that you are able to comprehend what your loved one is experiencing during the course of treatment.

Remind your loved one to attend all scheduled appointments.

Show your support by asking your loved one how his or her counseling is progressing, how the medication is affecting him or her, etc.

Congratulate your loved one on all successes, both big and small.

Do not forget that lasting recovery takes time and may include challenges along the way. Remain optimistic and share your optimism with your loved one, especially when he or she may feel overwhelmed.

Receive support of your own.

How You Can Be Successful in a Medication Assisted Treatment Program: Making the choice to receive treatment for addiction is an extremely important and brave step towards recovery. By playing an active role in their own treatment, patients are able to progress in a productive manner. Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Centers of Utah note the following as ways for patients to successfully progress in treatment:

Adhere to all guidelines that are set in place by your treatment provider, and follow any suggestions that he or she may have in regards to the treatment process as a whole.

Attend all appointments in order to receive your Suboxone.

Refrain from consuming alcohol, opioids, and/or other substances while in treatment.

Actively play a role in group counseling sessions.

Communicate openly with your counselor during individual counseling sessions. He or she is there to help you progress in treatment, not to delay your progress.

Voice any questions or issues that may arise during the course of treatment. The teams at Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Centers of Utah are here to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care available.

Side Effects

The Side Effects of Suboxone

Like many medications, the use of Suboxone can cause individuals to experience side effects. The following side effects have been reported by individuals who have been prescribed this medication:

Headache

Generalized pain

Nausea

Sleeplessness

Sweating

Low blood pressure

Numb mouth

Painful tongue

Blurred vision

Weakness

Infections

Chills

Constipation

Runny nose

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Lightheadedness

Dizziness

Sleepiness

Coordination problems

Irregular heartbeat

Back and abdominal pain

Fainting

Attention disturbances

Patients should immediately report any side effects to their treatment team in order to ensure their safety throughout the course of treatment. Adjustments to medications and dosages can be made if necessary.

To learn more about Suboxone and the other treatment options available, please contact Discovery House Comprehensive Treatment Centers of Utah today. We look forward to helping you achieve the healthy, happy, and opioid-free life that you deserve to be enjoying.